What Are Junk Cars Worth Today?

Today, most junk cars in the U.S. are worth roughly $150–$600 for basic scrap, $250–$800 for heavier trucks/SUVs, and $700–$3,000+ if the vehicle still runs, has a clean title, or is desirable for parts. Actual offers hinge on vehicle weight, current metal prices, the catalytic converter’s status, title and keys, location, and whether the buyer must tow the car. Below is a detailed breakdown of how pricing works and how to maximize your payout in the current market.

What “junk car” means and how buyers price them

“Junk car” typically refers to vehicles that are no longer economical to repair, are badly damaged, or are end-of-life for resale. Buyers generally price these in two ways: (1) as scrap metal, where weight and commodity prices dominate, and (2) as salvage/parts, where demand for specific components or a repairable drivetrain can add significant value. Today’s offers reflect still-volatile scrap markets, stricter catalytic converter rules, transportation costs, and local demand for parts.

Current market snapshot (late 2025, U.S.)

Scrap steel prices have stabilized compared with the sharp swings seen in 2021–2022, but they remain cyclical month to month. Yards usually price non-running “crush-only” cars by gross weight, deducting for missing parts; running or repairable vehicles can fetch more through salvage buyers and auctions. Catalytic converters continue to influence offers, but anti-theft laws in many states mean yards often won’t pay separately for loose cats and may offer less if the converter is missing or aftermarket.

Typical price ranges you can expect

These are realistic ranges many sellers report across metro U.S. markets; rural areas can skew lower due to transport costs and fewer buyers.

• Basic scrap (small sedans, non-running, complete): $150–$600
• Heavier trucks/SUVs/vans (scrap only): $250–$800
• Running/repairable cars (clean title, popular models): $700–$3,000+
• High-demand parts vehicles (e.g., popular Hondas/Toyotas, pickups): often 10–40% more than scrap
• Catalytic converter impact: commonly +$50–$400 if OEM and attached; certain hybrids (e.g., older Prius) can push total offers higher, subject to local rules
• Missing converter or major components: typically −$50 to −$300 compared with “complete” vehicles

These brackets reflect buyer type, local competition, and timing; the same car can draw very different bids depending on whether it’s weighed as shredder feed or sought for parts.

How to estimate your junk car’s value

You can build a quick estimate before calling buyers by combining weight, local scrap rates, and any salvageable value.

1. Find curb weight for your year/make/model (owner’s manual, door jamb sticker, or online). Typical sedans: 2,800–3,400 lbs; half-ton pickups: 4,500–5,500 lbs.
2. Check local scrap car pricing: yards often pay a per-vehicle amount tied to ferrous price trends; as a rough rule of thumb, basic scrap translates to about $0.05–$0.12 per pound after fees and towing considerations.
3. Account for the catalytic converter: OEM units add value when attached; aftermarket or missing cats lower offers. Laws in many states curb separate “loose cat” sales without proof of ownership.
4. Adjust for title, keys, and drivability: clean title and ability to drive or roll onto a truck add convenience and value; no title or immobilized vehicles reduce offers or limit buyers.
5. Compare 3–5 quotes (yards, local dismantlers, online buyers) and ask if towing is included or deducted.

This method won’t replace a formal bid, but it anchors expectations and helps you spot lowball or unusually high, condition-dependent offers.

Key factors that move offers up or down

Beyond raw metal prices, several details influence what a buyer will actually pay.

• Weight and composition: more steel typically pays more; aluminum-bodied vehicles (e.g., late-model F-150) weigh less in ferrous and can fetch lower scrap values.
• Metal markets and seasonality: prices can move with global steel demand, fuel/shipping costs, and mill intake; winter slowdowns or storm cleanups can shift yard appetite.
• Catalytic converter: OEM units, especially on certain hybrids, can materially raise bids; missing or aftermarket cats depress them.
• Title and paperwork: clean title can add $50–$200 and broaden your buyer pool; no title may mean a reduced offer or refusal.
• Towing and access: free pickup typically beats paying $100–$200 to haul a car; blocked-in or off-road recoveries can incur deductions.
• Demand for parts: popular engines, transmissions, or body panels can push offers above scrap; rust-belt markets value solid frames/body shells.
• Brand/model/year: late-model Toyota, Honda, Ford trucks, and certain Subarus often draw higher salvage bids than low-demand makes.
• EVs/hybrids: battery logistics can help or hurt. Some recyclers pay for healthy packs; others deduct for handling/disposal. Confirm policy before pickup.

If two cars weigh the same, the one with intact emissions equipment, clear title, and resellable parts usually wins on price.

Regional notes

Location shapes value through transport costs, policy, and the density of dismantlers and mills.

• United States: metro areas with competitive yards offer stronger prices; states with stricter converter laws may pay less for missing/loose cats and demand proof of ownership.
• Canada: similar dynamics; remote areas often see lower bids and higher towing deductions, while populous provinces with more yards are more competitive.
• UK/EU: End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) rules require de-pollution at authorized treatment facilities; compliance costs can reduce net offers, but robust parts demand can offset.
• Rural vs. metro: longer tows and fewer buyers tend to lower offers; self-delivery can narrow the gap.

Always verify what documentation your jurisdiction requires, especially for title transfer and proof of ownership for emissions components.

Quick pricing examples

These scenarios illustrate typical 2025 outcomes; your quotes may vary with local markets and vehicle condition.

• 2007 Honda Accord, non-running, complete, clear title: ~3,100 lbs. Typical scrap offers $200–$350; intact OEM catalytic converter may keep offers toward the higher end.
• 2012 Ford F-150 4×4, blown engine: ~5,000 lbs. Scrap-only $350–$650; if straight body and good transmission, salvage buyers may offer $1,200–$2,500.
• 2009 Toyota Prius, worn battery but intact OEM cat: scrap metal $150–$250; overall offers often land $600–$1,200 depending on local converter policies and demand for Prius parts.

The spread reflects whether a vehicle is treated as pure shredder feed or valued for parts and emissions components.

How to get the best price

Simple steps can convert a marginal quote into a solid payout.

• Get multiple bids (local yards, dismantlers, reputable online buyers) the same day to control for market moves.
• Ask specifically about towing, “complete car” requirements, deductions for missing parts, and any check or cash fees.
• Have the title, ID, keys, and access ready; clear the path for loading to avoid “difficult pickup” deductions.
• Time your sale if possible: when scrap is up or when your model is in seasonal demand for parts.
• Remove personal items and present the car as complete; include spare wheels, battery, and catalytic converter if you have them.

Transparent communication and clean paperwork usually translate to faster pickup and better offers.

Watch-outs and legal considerations

Compliance issues can derail or reduce a sale; know the basics before you book a tow.

• Title transfer: sign appropriately; some states allow Bill of Sale or dismantler purchase receipts, but a clean title broadens options.
• Liens: resolve any liens or obtain a lien release; buyers typically won’t proceed otherwise.
• Catalytic converter laws: many states require proof of ownership and IDs; selling a loose cat may be restricted or tracked.
• Plates and insurance: remove plates, cancel insurance, and file any required notice of sale/transfer to avoid tolls or fines.
• Environmental rules: EV/hybrid batteries and fluids must be handled by qualified recyclers; choose licensed buyers.

A legitimate buyer will explain paperwork requirements up front and provide a receipt on pickup.

Summary

In today’s market, a typical junk sedan fetches $150–$600 as scrap, heavier trucks/SUVs $250–$800, and repairable or parts-rich vehicles $700–$3,000+. Offers move with vehicle weight, metal prices, catalytic converter status, title, and local demand. To maximize your payout, gather multiple quotes in the same window, confirm towing and deductions, have complete paperwork, and sell when scrap and parts demand are favorable.